Adrienne repeated the warning. This does not prove insider trading. It does not prove corporate espionage. What it does is create enough correlation for independent counsel to seek records, interview witnesses, and potentially refer concerns to regulators. Evelyn sat with both hands around a cup of untouched coffee.
Malcolm noticed she kept looking at him. What? He asked. You don't have to be here. I know.
I terminated the agreement. I heard you. You have your money. Malcolm leaned back. Do you want me to leave?
Evelyn looked away first. No. Then stop reminding me that I can. By the following afternoon, Trevor was waiting in his office for a resignation announcement he believed had become inevitable. Instead, Evelyn entered with Malcolm and Adrien. Malcolm wore dark jeans, work boots, and a plain jacket.
Evelyn had offered to send another suit. He refused. He was tired of dressing like the room needed permission to respect him. Trevor rose from behind his desk. I assume the statement is ready.
Then he saw Malcolm still playing husband. Malcolm crossed the office and placed copies of the 19 approved transaction records on the desk. Trevor glanced down and laughed. Bar tabs. Malcolm held his eyes.
No, that's where they started looking. Trevor's smile faded when Adrienne stepped forward. Adrien explained that Nexora's independent governance committee and outside council had been notified of a potential pattern involving Trevor's access to confidential documents, repeated outside meetings with Calder Peak personnel, subsequent competitive actions, and market activity requiring review. Trevor immediately accused Evelyn of retaliation. Evelyn did not deny that the timing was ugly.
The marriage disclosure will be reviewed independently, she said. So will this. I am not asking anyone to bury either one. Trevor pointed at the papers. You have nothing.
Receipts do not prove a conversation. Correct, Adrienne said. Which is why no one here is accusing you of a crime. We are preserving records and initiating an independent investigation. Trevor turned toward Malcolm.
This is what you are now, her investigator. Malcolm shook his head. I'm the bartender you never bothered to look at. Something flickered across Trevor's face. Recognition.